Española planning and land use director killed in Albuquerque

Aug. 3—The city of Española's planning and land use director was shot and killed Monday night in Albuquerque, officials said.

Muhammad Afzaal Hussain, who had headed the department for nearly a year, died Monday in Southeast Albuquerque after he had been shot, Albuquerque Police Department spokesman Gilbert Gallegos said in a statement.

Hussain was 27.

According to a news release issued by the city of Española, Hussain was "randomly targeted in a senseless act of violence."

Mayor John Ramon Vigil said Hussain's death was a tragedy, adding Española had lost a "champion."

"He always had a smile. He was a pillar of our community," said Vigil. "He became one of us."

Gallegos said officers were dispatched Monday night to the area of Cornell Street and Lead Avenue, not far from the University of New Mexico, in reference to a "shot spotter activation."

Police found Hussain dead on a sidewalk, Gallegos said. He did not provide additional details.

Hussain was first hired by former Española Mayor Javier Sanchez's administration to serve as the city's planning and land use director.

Tuesday would have been his one-year anniversary in the position, said Española City Manager Jordan Yutzy.

This is a developing story. Check back for more details.